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Trip from Sunset Beach, NC to Concord, NC

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 14m

Distance

186.8 mi

301 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$29

one way

EV Charging

Good

7 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
4h 1m ★
6 AM
4h 14m
8 AM
4h 40m
10 AM
4h 23m
12 PM
4h 21m
3 PM
4h 25m
5 PM
4h 39m
8 PM
4h 6m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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town in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States of America

Sunset Beach, NC

Wikimedia Commons

city in North Carolina, United States

Concord, NC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 186.8-mile drive from Sunset Beach, North Carolina, to Concord, North Carolina, is easily managed as a single-day trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 14 minutes. The route primarily utilizes SC 9 and NC 742, with a 55% share of highway driving, offering a mixed driving experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $29, this trip is budget-friendly. You'll be traveling within the Southeast region, staying within North Carolina for the entire journey. This drive is straightforward, making it a convenient option when you want to reach your destination without an overnight stop.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

93.4 miles from Sunset Beach, NC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 10m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
SC 9 37.4 mi 45m
Radford Boulevard 25.8 mi 31m
NC 742 24.9 mi 35m
2nd Street 20.8 mi 23m
Highway 9 East 13.9 mi 19m
Dillon Highway 12.5 mi 18m
US 601 9.6 mi 10m
NC 24 8.7 mi 13m
Longest stretch: SC 9 — 37.4 mi, about 45m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Sunset Beach, NC and Concord, NC.

1

Start on Sunset Boulevard South

0.4 mi · 46 sec · Sunset Boulevard South
2

Enter roundabout onto NC 179 Business

23 ft · 0 sec · Sunset Boulevard North
3

Continue on NC 179 Business

0.1 mi · 11 sec · Sunset Boulevard North
4

Turn right onto NC 179 Business

1.8 mi · 3 min · Shoreline Drive West
5

Continue on NC 179 Business

1.7 mi · 2 min · Beach Drive Southwest
6

Continue on NC 179

2.1 mi · 3 min · Beach Drive Southwest
7

Continue on SC 179

0.7 mi · 1 min · SC 179
8

Turn left onto US 17

3.8 mi · 6 min · US Highway 17
9

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Toward SC 31, Loris, Myrtle Beach
10

Merge onto SC 9

14 mi · 19 min · Highway 9 East
Use the left / straight lanes.
11

Turn straight onto SC 9

24 mi · 30 min · SC 9
12

Merge onto US 76

1.1 mi · 1 min · Highway 76
13

Continue on US 76; SC 9

0.5 mi · 1 min · South Nichols Street
14

Take the exit

195 ft · 7 sec
15

Turn straight onto SC 9

8.2 mi · 13 min · South Main Street
16

Turn left onto SC 9

0.9 mi · 1 min · West 3rd Avenue
17

Continue on SC 9

12 mi · 18 min · Dillon Highway
18

Turn right onto US 301; US 501; SC 9

0.9 mi · 1 min · US Highway 301 North
19

Turn left onto SC 9

26 mi · 31 min · Radford Boulevard
20

Turn right onto SC 9; SC 38

2.3 mi · 2 min · Cottingham Boulevard South
21

Turn left onto SC 9

13 mi · 14 min · SC 9
22

Turn right onto US 52 Truck; SC 9 Truck

0.3 mi · 22 sec · Front Street
23

Continue on US 52; SC 9 Truck

21 mi · 23 min · 2nd Street
24

At end of road, turn left onto US 74

1.3 mi · 3 min · East Caswell Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
25

Continue on US 52; US 74; NC 742

0.7 mi · 1 min · Salisbury Street
26

Continue on US 52; US 74; NC 742

0.4 mi · 24 sec · W. Cliff Martin Highway
27

Turn right onto US 52; NC 742

0.3 mi · 36 sec · US 52; NC 742
28

Continue on NC 742

25 mi · 35 min · NC 742
29

Continue on NC 205

1.7 mi · 3 min · NC 205
30

Turn left onto NC 24; NC 27

8.7 mi · 13 min · NC 24; NC 27
Use the straight lane.
31

Turn right onto US 601

9.6 mi · 10 min · US 601
32

Take the exit onto Union Street South

0.6 mi · 58 sec · Union Street South
33

Continue on NC 3

2.3 mi · 3 min · Branchview Drive Southeast
Use the straight lane.
34

Turn left onto NC 73

0.6 mi · 1 min · Corban Avenue Southeast
Use the left lane.
35

Continue on Corban Avenue Southeast

0.2 mi · 26 sec · Corban Avenue Southeast
36

Turn right onto Spring Street Southwest

0.1 mi · 16 sec · Spring Street Southwest
37

Arrive at destination

Spring Street Southwest

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour and 14-minute duration, starting your drive from Sunset Beach in the morning will allow you to reach Concord with plenty of daylight remaining. With only one recommended stop, plan it strategically along SC 9, perhaps around the halfway point, to break up the 37.4-mile longest stretch. The estimated fuel cost of $29 is quite manageable, but it's always wise to ensure your tank is full before departing to avoid any unexpected fuel stops. Pay attention to the transition between South Carolina and North Carolina roads as you move between SC 9 and Radford Boulevard.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 93.4 miles from Sunset Beach, NC, or about 2h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 37.4 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 41 miles or 59m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 93.4 miles or 2h 10m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 26m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Concord, NC than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Sunset Beach, NC so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Sunset Beach, NC

This is one driving day of about 186.8 miles and 4h 14m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 41 miles from Sunset Beach, NC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on SC 9 for about 37.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

town in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cheraw, SC

93 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Tabor City, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 41 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Laurinburg, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 93.4 miles from Sunset Beach, NC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best coffee break · home stretch

Press & Porter Coffee & Pourhouse

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Concord, North Carolina

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

Mattie Ruth's Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Concord, North Carolina

1.3 mi

The Holy Grind Coffee House of Concord

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Concord, North Carolina

1.8 mi

K1 Speed - Indoor Go Karts, Food, Games, and Things to Do In Myrtle Beach

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

First break 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

+18434926101

Visit website

Press & Porter Coffee & Pourhouse

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

Visit website

Mattie Ruth's Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

Visit website

The Holy Grind Coffee House of Concord

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+17049604013

Visit website

Milk & Honey Coffee Bar

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10

Oakboro, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

Visit website

Verb Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10

Concord, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17049604163

Visit website

Greater Grounds Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

Home stretch 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10

Locust, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

+17047815119

Visit website

French Express Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10

Kannapolis, North Carolina

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+17049325282

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Sunset Beach, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour

Wadesboro, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour

Calabash, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Circle K Charging Station

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

First break 4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour

North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18335052291

Visit website

FLO Charging Station

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour

Longs, South Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the start, ~10 min detour

First break 4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour

North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Rivian Waypoints

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour

Dillon, South Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484261

Visit website

Locust City Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour

Locust, North Carolina

+17048885260

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 10.6 and 186.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
10.6 mi into trip | ~19m in

Take the exit toward SC 31, Loris, Myrtle Beach

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward SC 31, Loris, Myrtle Beach
5
10.9 mi into trip | ~19m in | SC 9 / Highway 9 East

Merge onto SC 9 / Highway 9 East

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight lanes.
5
135.5 mi into trip | ~2h 59m in | US 74 / East Caswell Street

At end of road, turn left onto US 74 / East Caswell Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
5
185.9 mi into trip | ~4h 11m in | NC 73 / Corban Avenue Southeast

Turn left onto NC 73 / Corban Avenue Southeast

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
5
186.7 mi into trip | ~4h 13m in | Spring Street Southwest

Turn right onto Spring Street Southwest

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$29.21 one way

$58.42 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 65 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $31.94 $63.88
premium $4.70 $34.57 $69.15
diesel $5.61 $41.24 $82.49

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$29

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$54–$79

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 65.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 56 0 $19.61 $8.97
Efficient EV 46.7 0 $16.35 $7.47
EV Truck/SUV 74.7 0 $26.15 $11.96

Gas CO2

65 kg

EV CO2

22 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Sunset Beach, NC

Late night in Sunset Beach on Tuesday

Local time

5:00 AM

EDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Concord, NC

Late night in Concord on Tuesday

Local time

5:00 AM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Partly Cloudy

0 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

7 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

4h 14m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

This route presents a mixed driving profile, with a 55% highway share meaning you'll experience both faster stretches and more local road segments. You'll encounter the longest uninterrupted stretch of 37.4 miles on SC 9, which will give you a good feel for the road's character in that section. As you progress, expect the road conditions to vary, transitioning between quicker highway sections and potentially slower local roads as you approach Concord. This blend ensures the drive isn't monotonous but requires attention to changing speed limits and road types.

55% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
37 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 37.4 mi on SC 9.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 18 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 10.6 miles in.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 186.8 miles you will encounter 18 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 10.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.9 miles (SC 9 / Highway 9 East): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 135.5 miles (US 74 / East Caswell Street): Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Sunset Beach, NC and Concord, NC, road signs point toward Loris and Myrtle Beach.

Loris

10.6 mi in | ~19m

Myrtle Beach

10.6 mi in | ~19m

About the Cities

Arriving in Concord, NC

Full guide →

Concord is a city in North Carolina and fast-growing bedroom community of the major city of Charlotte. In 2020, the population was around 107,000, making it the second largest city of the Charlotte Metro.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 14m. Total distance: 186.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 37.4 miles on SC 9. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Concord, NC before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 10.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.9 miles (SC 9 / Highway 9 East): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 135.5 miles (US 74 / East Caswell Street): Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Concord, NC, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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